Unilever’s 12-month Sustainability Industrial Placement in the UK starts in June 2027 and offers £27,898, hybrid working in Kingston, mentoring, a bonus and sustainability experience.
Unilever is preparing to open applications for its Industrial Placement in Sustainability, a 12-month programme starting in June 2027. The placement gives participants practical experience across sustainability strategy, climate, nature, human rights, data, reporting, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
Applications open on 12 October 2026 and are considered on a rolling basis, meaning candidates are encouraged to apply early because the vacancy may close before the expected recruitment period ends.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Unilever |
| Programme | Industrial Placement in Sustainability |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Location | Kingston, UK |
| Working arrangement | Hybrid, minimum 3 days per week at the Kingston office |
| Start date | June 2027 |
| Salary | £27,898 |
| Placement areas | Sustainability, climate, nature, plastics, human rights, strategy, advocacy, reporting, data and insights |
| Application opens | 12 October 2026 |
| Deadline | Rolling deadline |
| Application limit | Only the first application will be considered |
What Does the Unilever Sustainability Placement Involve?
The placement provides first-hand experience of how sustainability is incorporated into business strategy, decision-making and growth.
Participants may work across Unilever’s Global Sustainability function and collaborate with teams including Communications and Corporate Affairs, Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, Legal, Finance and Business Groups.
The placement can cover areas including:
- Climate
- Nature
- Plastics
- Social Sustainability and Human Rights
- Sustainability Strategy and Governance
- Advocacy and Partnerships
- Sustainability Performance and Reporting
- Data, Insights and Measurement
Possible Responsibilities
Depending on the placement, participants may:
- Analyse external developments, policy changes, industry trends and stakeholder discussions.
- Support sustainability strategies, programmes and governance processes.
- Contribute to advocacy, partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
- Prepare briefing materials, presentations and event support for senior leaders.
- Assist with sustainability reporting and performance tracking.
- Work with data, insights and AI-enabled tools.
- Create reports, articles and presentations.
- Support major events such as Climate Week, COP, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations General Assembly.
- Work with teams across functions and markets.
What Does Unilever Look For?
Unilever says it is looking for curious, proactive and collaborative individuals who are interested in the role business can play in addressing social and environmental challenges. Candidates should be comfortable solving complex problems, working with data and analysing emerging trends.
No specific degree subject is required. The company says studies in areas such as Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Politics, International Relations, Economics, Business, Social Sciences, Data Analytics or Communications may be beneficial.
Skills Required
The placement highlights skills including:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Stakeholder relationship-building
- Interest in sustainability, business strategy, policy and societal trends
- Strong organisation and attention to detail
- Ability to identify meaningful insights
- Ability to work independently and within teams
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
- Initiative and proactive problem-solving
- Microsoft 365 skills, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams
Unilever Application Process
The recruitment process has five stages, and candidates only progress after successfully completing the previous stage.
Stage 1 – Online Application & IP Simulation
Candidates complete an online application followed by an interactive simulation involving situational judgement questions based on realistic business scenarios.
Stage 2 – Online Assessments
Candidates complete numerical and verbal reasoning assessments.
Stage 3 – Digital Interview
Applicants complete a video interview. Unilever states that its digital interview submissions are reviewed by a real person rather than used as an AI screening tool.
Stage 4 – Pre-Screening Interview
Candidates attend a virtual interview with a member of the recruitment team.
Stage 5 – In-Person Discovery Centre
Successful candidates attend an in-person Discovery Centre, where they can meet business leaders and work on function-related business challenges.
Salary and Benefits
Unilever lists a salary of £27,898 for the placement. Other benefits include:
- End-of-placement bonus
- Subsidised gym membership, depending on location
- Discounted staff shop
- Flexible and hybrid working
- 28 days of holiday inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata
- Potential increase to 33 days inclusive of bank holidays after 12 worked weeks under the Agency Workers Regulation
- Access to Future Careers Development Teams
- Dedicated buddy
- Experienced line manager
Working Location
The placement uses a hybrid arrangement, with participants required to work at least three days per week at Unilever’s Kingston office.
Application Opening Date and Deadline
Applications open on Monday, 12 October 2026.
There is no fixed closing date listed. Unilever describes the recruitment as a rolling deadline and recommends applying as early as possible because applications may close early.
Important Application Rule
Unilever states that it is receiving a high volume of applications and asks candidates to apply for the one function they are most interested in.
Only the first application will be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants should use Unilever’s official Careers website when applications open on 12 October 2026.
Apply through the official Unilever Careers website
Recruitment Fraud Warning
Unilever warns applicants about fraudulent recruitment schemes involving fake vacancies, fake websites, interviews and requests for money or payment for supposed checks or visa costs. The company states that it will never ask for money or credit card details during the recruitment process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This placement stands out for students and early-career candidates interested in sustainability, environmental issues, data, policy, business strategy and corporate responsibility. The combination of a £27,898 salary, 12-month experience, mentoring, hybrid working and cross-functional exposure makes it a significant UK industrial placement opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications open for the Unilever Sustainability Industrial Placement?
Applications open on 12 October 2026.
When does the placement start?
The stated start date is June 2027.
How much does Unilever pay?
The listed salary is £27,898.
Where is the placement based?
The placement is based in Kingston, with hybrid working requiring a minimum of three days per week at the office.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No. Unilever describes the deadline as rolling and warns that applications may close early.
Does Unilever require a specific degree subject?
No specific degree subject is required, although several sustainability, business, social science and data-related subjects may be beneficial.
Can I apply for several Unilever functions?
The supplied vacancy states that only the first application will be considered, so candidates should apply for the one function they are most interested in.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Unilever and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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